5 Spring Trends and How To Make Them Office-Friendly

*Adapted from Lauren Conrad*. See the original here:http://bit.ly/16XrA1y

So you’ve stocked your closet full of the latest spring trends (hello lace and stripes!). But now that it’s time to actually wear your new threads, you can’t figure out how to make them look office appropriate. This is a common case of confusion that affects every working girl at one time or another.

But here are five easy ways to make it work.

1. Stripes:While your pinstripe shorts and tank tops might show off a little too much skin for work, there are still endless ways to wear this pattern in the office. I love the look of a black and white striped blazer paired with neutral separates. And a classic pinstripe button-down blouse can give a lackluster dress suit some flair.

2.Printed Pants: Put a professional twist on the trend with a pair of patterned silk pants that look more formal than jeans. I would suggest keeping within a general color scheme so that your look doesn’t come off as loud. Also, black and white patterns tend to come off a little more sophisticated than colorful ones.

3.Colour Blocking: It’s easy to pull off color blocking in the workplace—just be sure to stay within the same color family. A navy cardigan paired with a sky blue blouse and an indigo pencil skirt keeps your 9-to-5 style interesting.

4. All White: Think an all white or all cream pantsuit conveys a look that is both elegant and powerful in the workplace. Trade in your navy skirt suit for a cream version this spring and summer.

5.Lace:The office is no place for your lacey short shorts.But lace in the form of a blouse, dress or pencil skirt? Now we’re talking. Wear an A-line lace dress, a lace button-up or a lace pencil skirt underneath your favourite blazer, with the appropriate undergarments of course. The blazer will keep your overall look conservative, but the unexpected texture underneath will make you feel cool and confident.